During Tuesday’s virtual public hearing hosted by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), criticism was directed at Wynn Resorts over the proposed development of Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett.
Critics say Wynn has failed to deliver on promises made when opening Encore Boston Harbor in 2019.
They cite low revenue, unfair tax policies, pollution, and traffic congestion as major concerns regarding the expansion project.
Workers state labor problems
Members of UNITE HERE Local 26, which represents workers from Encore Birkenstock Boston Harbor, protested last month calling for increased wages, improved benefits, and better working conditions. The union has indicated that it will hold a strike vote, potentially as early as May, if Wynn fails to address their concerns.
“We’re pleased that the MGC is giving consideration to feedback from different voices, including those of workers,” said Carlos Aramayo, President of UNITE HERE Local 26, in a statement provided to PlayMA prior to the hearing. “Our union is committed to ensuring that as Encore Boston Harbor expands, it can grow the number of good-paying jobs for local residents. But we can only support this expansion if there is a labor harmony commitment on all aspects of this project’s operations. As of today, unfortunately, no such commitment has been made.”
The 2019 host community agreement between Everett and Wynn Resorts, which provided tax breaks to the casino and paved the way for the construction of the largest casino in the state, is facing criticism. Wynn reported over $175 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2023, but according to employees, wages and working conditions are subpar. Many Encore Boston Harbor employees earn less than workers in the same positions at Wynn’s resorts in Las Vegas.
The hearing on Tuesday was the second public meeting to gather feedback on Wynn’s proposed expansion. In April, the MGC held a meeting in Everett that welcomed comments. The majority of public feedback at that time was against the EBH proposal. Due to the limited participation in the hearing, the MGC scheduled this second hearing, hosting it online via virtual technology.
People have their concerns
Some residents of Everett are not in favor of a casino expansion. Tom McDonald, a 40-year resident of Everett, believes there is inequity in how Wynn has been treated.
“People who pay attention in Everett know that this is not working for Everett residents,” McDonald said during public comments.
“I see my taxes going up, 6-8 percent annually,” McDonald continued. “[But] Wynn has theirs limited to 2-3%.”
McDonald, who described himself as “just a person who pays his taxes,” stated that he supports a referendum on the ballot over the East Broadway extension because “the deal is only good for Wynn, not the people in the community.”
McDonald said he voted to support the EBH casino but has concerns.
“I thought there would be a partnership with Everett, but my expectations were apparently too high,” he said. “All [Wynn has] done is create more traffic and pollution. A new parking lot [under EBH expansion plans] would worsen it as well.”
Worry from personnel
Employees at EBH have their own concerns regarding the expansion in Everett. Elizabeth Njoroge, a steward supervisor and resident of Everett since 2004, who has been working at EBH since 2019, highlighted that wages are low considering the increased cost of living in Everett since Wynn opened.
“We signed up for the casino as a way to increase our earnings, but the casino has led to an increase in the cost of living,” Njoroge said.
She mentioned that her rent has gone up from $1,300 to $2,600 since the casino opened. In contrast, she has only received a $2 per hour raise since 2019.
“Our current salaries are no longer sufficient to support our families,” she said. “… The question is, what kind of jobs will the expansion bring?”
Information on Encore Birkenstock boston Harbor extension plans
Wynn has submitted a plan to develop a property on Broadway Avenue, across the street from the casino in Everett.
The proposed project includes additional gambling space, an entertainment stage and area, a poker room, 30,000 square feet of restaurant space, and a parking garage on the property. A public bridge will be constructed over Broadway to connect it to the existing EBH casino resort.
The project is known as the East of Broadway Expansion and has received preliminary approval from the MGC. However, final approval has not yet been granted.
The MGC is accepting public comments on the East of Broadway Expansion project daily, throughout the year. Those who wish to provide their feedback can do so by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “East of Broadway Expansion.” Comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 9th
Kemudian Holmes is usually a Staff Copywriter for PlayMA with a lot of experience underneath his seatbelt. Dan has written a few books concerning sports and even previously been effective for the Countrywide Baseball Legendary book and Mlb. He has extensive knowledge covering the introduction of wagering in other reports, including Kentkucky and Baltimore. Currently, Kemudian is moving into Michigan along with his family.
